Alliance News January - March 2012

JANUARY-MARCH 2012

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE OF SRI LANKA

Learning through Fun at the Nature Park

Pictures show Kid’s Club members enjoying a day out at Guruge Nature Park

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ifteen varieties of birds such as African Parrots, Love Birds, Pigeons and 25 varieties of Marsupial animals, as well as Lions, Monkeys and Horses and a wide variety of reptiles in a mini zoo among other exciting things awaited twenty-five eager kids at Guruge Nature Park, Ja-Ela, on that special day - 26th of November 2011.

The skies were heavy and overcast with grey rain clouds. The sun was struggling to peak out. Finally rain it did but the weather did not deter the Ratmalana Change Makers Club from making their planned educational tour to Guruge Nature Park.

By the time twenty-five excited kids between the ages of 5-10 years and 12 adults including several parents piled into a tour bus and drove 10 km from Colombo to Ja-Ela the rain had ceased and the sun had come out. Fortuitously, the weather was graceful and the children enjoyed a day out in good, sunny weather. When it was time for amusement the kids had pony rides, rides on the bullock cart, boat rides and amusement rides. The educational aspect was fulfilled by visits to the Jurassic Park, the exhibits on Evolution and the exhibits on Sri Lankan history. “The kids really enjoyed themselves and were safe and well cared for because each committee member was given the care of 5-6 children and they

watched over them and ensured that they had as much fun and entertainment as well as learning” said ADT’s Officer in Charge.

“We were very satisfied with the outcome of the trip. Most of these children come from deprived and low income communities and rarely have a chance to enjoy a day’s outing like this” she added.

“They wanted to know when they would be taken on their next trip” she laughed fondly.

The Change Makers Club of Ratmalana initiated The Child Centred Community Development Programme (CCCDP) within a low income community with the precepts of the UN Convention on the Rights of the children. It was formulated to uplift living standards of children, to improve their well being through community development interventions, to improve health, nutrition, education and development of children, to provide safe environment and hygiene for them and to transform the community through childcentered community development. At Alliance Development Trust, these ideals are enacted through the Change Makers Club, Community Development Education (CDE) and Training. The educational trip of the Change Makers Club of Ratmalana to the Guruge Nature Park was one such programme held to develop children through education. * Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA FONSEKA

THIS PUBLICATION IS FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY 1

Sivalakshmi had put her clothes to soak in a plastic The Velankulam community and the Army 61st bucket and was getting ready to bathe her 8 year old daughter division which governs the area requested ADT’s assistance to Raji. The child didn’t seem to mind the hot scorching sun reconstruct the well which provided water to the communibecause the water her mother was pouring on her head was ties living around that region. The well was covered with silt refreshingly cool. Raji was enjoying a bath in the privacy of her and had inadequate water for crop irrigation. The villagers had own home garden. Her father had built a small water tank in used sand bags and rubber sheets to hold the sides of the well their garden where they store water for their use. A month from caving in. ADT supplied the necessary materials such as ago, little Raji would have to walk 5 kilometres with her sand, cement and stones to reinforce the wall of the well and mother to Madukulam, a neighbouring village for a bath. Ever installed a water purifier as well. The villagers now have since Alliance Development Trust (ADT) came to their village, access to clean water for consumption as well as to cultivate Velankulam, and reconstructed their community well, the their crops. villagers living in Velankulam and the surrounding villages had Sivalakshmi and her family had been displaced during access to clean water for bathing, drinking and cultivation t h e war and are now resettled in Velankulam. “Availability of purposes. clean, safe water was our biggest problem. But now we are Velankulam and the surrounding villages were signifiso happy because our community well has been restored cantly affected by the war and were long uninhabited. Since and we have access to clean water. The Army gives us 1990 the militants had their camps in this area and thereafwater from a bowser thrice a week. Now my Sri Lanka ter from 2000 onwards the Sri Lanka Army controlled husband is able to cultivate ladies fingers, which has a rich the area. As a result the villagers had been displaced brinjals, manioc and green chillies without for a considerably long period. Around 1500 worrying about a water shortage” she said. history in hydrology families are now resettled in the Velankulam The reconstruction of the has some of the best region. Most of these families live in temporary Velankulam well has greatly benefitman-made lakes in the world. shelters and do not have access to clean ted many. Even neighbouring The island made famous for water. The war had left their community villages benefit by this well as well destroyed, contaminated and not fit the Army distributes water to its natural scenery by travellers for consumption. This led to issues with many households around hundreds years ago is blessed with hygiene and people were frequently Velankulam. approximately 4,500 kilometres of rivers, falling sick.The communities living in * Names have been changed.

2,400 immigration canals and 3,500 deep Velankulam were severely handicapped not having access to water tanks.The island also benefits from water because they rely on WRITTEN countless reservoirs and artificial and natural agriculture as their livelihood.

BY DEEPTHI SENANAYAKE wet lands that replenish the hydro cycle. But despite rich water resources about one quarter of the country has no access to safe drinking water.

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General Secretary: Godfrey Yogarajah

“For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children”.

- Matthew 19:14

Editor In Chief: Roshini Wickremesinhe

Design and Layout: Chandrika Fonseka

Address: P.O. Box 113, Dehiwala, Sri Lanka

Telephone: 00945511358

Email: communications@nceasl.org Website: www.nceasl.org www.adtlanka.org The National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) was established in 1952 to serve the national Church. Today the Alliance has grown significantly and is contributing immensely in uniting the Church to transform the nation.

The NCEASL touches the lives of many through its various ministries that include, Missions and Evagelism, Religious Liberty and Human Rights, HIV and AIDS Awareness, Peace and Reconciliation, Water and Sanitation, Livelihood, Children and Psychosocial needs, Disaster Preparedness and Response and Shelter and Infrastructural Development.

Alliance Development Trust (ADT) was established in 2002 to carry out the relief and development work of NCEASL. Through its regional offices in nine regions NCEASL through ADT strives to bring economic sufficiency, social justice, individual and corporate righteousness and public peace to numerous disaster affected and underdeveloped areas of the island.

In a land that was affected by a 30 year civil war and the Asian Tsunami of 2004, NCEASL endeavours to reach out amidst challenges and bring hope to the downtrodden and poverty stricken.

Pictures show Child Abuse Prevention Programme at Mahabulankulama Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura by ADT

The city of Anuradhapura located in the north central province is famous for its well preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilisation. It is stated that during the glory days of the Anuradhapura Kingdom due to the extensive production of rice in the area the country was self sufficient. However, sadly due to the drastic economic conditions prevalent in this area today, most families have at least one parent working overseas to provide for their families. In most homes it is the mother that has left the family seeking employment to give her children a better future.

“This has caused a grave and serious problem to the innocent and vulnerable children left behind at most times in charge of the father or a grandparent. In most instances children are sexually abused by an immediate family member or a person close to the child. As I am in contact with school children daily, I come across children who are victims of neglect, abuse and abandonment.

This is a very big social issue which must be dealt with” expressed the Principal of Mahabulankulama Maha Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura.

It is mainly due to this reason that he invited Alliance Development Trust (ADT) to conduct a special awareness programme on Child Abuse to students of Grades 3, 4 and 5 in his school. On 8th March 2012, resource persons from ADT’s Children’s Sector spoke to 250 girls and boys in the ages of 8 – 10 years using dolls as a device to communicate and demon3

strate serious facts on child abuse in a friendly and memorable manner. The children were encouraged to break the silence, speak out and share with their mothers especially, if they become victims of sexual abuse.

At a different session held on the same day, ADT spoke to nearly 80 parents educating them on how they should react when a child confides in them on incidents of abuse. As parents they were instructed to be more vigilant and devote more attention and time to their children.

Usually parents tend to brush aside and not take much notice when a child attempts to share such incidents. A parent would tend to take the side of another adult rather than believe in their own child.

ADT stressed the point that as parents they should not fail their children. Several mothers were moved by the advice and instructions given to them by ADT. “When my daughter confided in me I didn’t know how to react so I reprimanded her. I now feel guilty that I should not have behaved that way. My daughter is everything to me. I thank ADT for educating us on these ‘life saving’ matters”, said a mother who was visibly upset.

Child abuse is preventable; only if the child victims know what they should do. ADT plans to have a similar awareness programme for the students in the older age groups at Mahabulankulama Maha Vidyalaya in the course of this year.

* Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY DEEPTHI SENANAYAKE

Volunteers Appreciated

How Christians have recourse to the law

The Change Makers Clubs for children active all around the island have achieved much since its foundation in 2005. The members of these clubs benefit greatly and even team up to contribute towards the development of their villages and communities. The clubs provide an opportunity for its members to come together regardless of their caste or creed and thereby bring about change in ways their elders have failed.

From the construction of toilets for the disabled to awarding scholarships for students with financial difficulties, the members of the Change Makers Clubs take the initiative to bring about changes needed for the betterment of their communities. “The Change Makers are quite active in contributing towards the development of this village” said one volunteer who helps a Change Makers Club in Vavuniya with their activities. “Especially in these war affected regions where the villagers are quite reluctant to take the initiative for the needs of the community, it is the children who take the initiative because they believe that it is their responsibility to uplift the living standards in their village.”

The services of the volunteers who assist in activities of these clubs were recently appreciated at training programmes conducted in Trincomalee, Jaffna, Vavuniya and Galle during the month of January. These programmes were very special as it was for the very first time that the volunteers of the Change Makers Clubs were felicitated by both the staff of Alliance Development Trust’s Children’s Sector and the Change Makers themselves. 121 volunteers received certificates and medals as tokens of appreciation and gratitude for their contribution towards the progress of the clubs.

WRITTEN BY MELANIE PEREIRA

The Jaffna peninsula is slowly recovering from the nearly thirty years of ethnic conflict - but among its main necessities is the need for Human Rights to re-establish this city to its former glory. Many still live in fear and suspicion and stand aside in ignorance as their fundamental rights are violated. It was the Pastors in this region that the Religious Liberties Commission of the National Christian Evangelical Alliance of Sri Lanka (NCEASL) approached with the objective of educating them on the Rights available to them within the Sri Lankan Constitution and on the importance of adhering to the laws of the country.

The Religious Liberty Commission of the NCEASL conducted an Advocacy Seminar for the Pastors Fellowship in Jaffna on the 03rd of April 2012 at the Calvary Full Gospel Church Jaffna. The seminar was focused on creating aware-

ness on the Law and the Church among the pastors whilst addressing on basic points that were vital to both the ministries of these pastors and the existence of their churches.

The participants also learned that it was their duty as Christians to abide by the law. Pastor Kumaran who was among the 53 participants was able to learn many things he did not know before. “I believed that because of all we had gone through during the war, we could never claim legal aid when our rights were violated. But now I know where I can get free legal aid for most of the unjust situations I go through” he said. The Advocacy Seminar aimed at educating not only the leaders of the Church on their entitlements but also at equipping them to spread awareness among their Christian believers. * Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY DEEPTHI SENANAYAKE

Learning the A to Z about Micro-Financing For the past 12 years NCEASL through Alliance Development Trust (ADT) provides assistance to many refugees and people living below the poverty level who are interested in self-employment in an effort to help them become self-reliant.

A significant 15% of Sri Lankans live below the official poverty line of Rs. 3,087 a month. The World Bank puts the figure higher, at 23 percent. The UN estimates that 45 percent of Sri Lankans live on less than Rs. 226 ($2) a day.

Poverty is concentrated in rural areas, as well as in the North and East which suffered for decades during the war.

“Providing livelihood interventions for the poor and the marginalised in a timely and effective manner needs training” says a member of ADT staff. Livelihood staff training is held annually for all mem4

bers of the Livelihood sector and is conducted over a period of two days.

This year’s staff training took place in Trincomalee on the 18th and 19th of January 2012.

Nine members of the national and regional staff attended it. One of the staff attending the training session said “the best thing I learned from this training is how to help a poor person who is already engaged in some form of livelihood.

The knowledge I gained from this training will help improve my ability to enhance their already existing enterprise; be it making pumpkin preserve, lunch packets, gram or vadé.”

He added, “it improved my knowledge on how to use the selection criteria to choose who becomes a recipient of a micro- finance loan.”

WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA FONSEKA

Leadership the SSTS Way Standing Strong Through Storms (SSTS) programme was initially targeted at full time workers and pastors serving in our island.

Subsequently the pastors who attended SSTS requested NCEASL to hold this programme for their secondary leaders who are not fulltime workers but also hold leadership positions in their churches.

Taking this request positively, the first ever SSTS work shop was held at Smyrna church, Nuwaraeliya on 14th and 15th March 2012.

Altogether 90 participants attended this two day workshop which was well attended on both days. The resource personnel were from NCEASL’s Missions Commission. The

participants were very enthusiastic and benefited much from this workshop as seen by their testimonies.

“I work at the Health Ministry. This is the first time I am attending a seminar organized for leaders. I was made aware of persecution brought about by our common enemy Satan.

During the seminar God spoke to me through His Word. I was able to teach another – I am encouraged – Thanks for sharing these insights” – Bro. Shantha “I have a burden to take the Gospel to many places that are not yet reached. But although I wanted to share Christ, I was frightened. Now the fear is gone” – Bro. Jacob “When we go through trials and tribulations God is there to strengthen us.There were many important things that were shared. May the Lord use these sessions to minister to many others as well. May God bless everyone who made this event possible for us” - Sis.Kalyani * Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY DEEPTHI SENANAYAKE

Disabled soldiers being given demonstrations and recipes on how to make a livelihood making jams, cordials and chutneys

Preserving Lives and Livelihoods for Disabled Soldiers The loss experienced by amputees is not only the physical loss of a body part but also the loss of their former appearance, function, athletic ability, hobbies, social and personal relationships. The amputees are also anxious if their peers and family members will accept them with an amputation. It will be natural for the disabled soldiers also to be worried about the impact an amputation has on employment possibilities and recreational activities. Being exposed to the possible livelihoods that can give them back a trace of their former lives will change their perspective on the possibilities that are opened to them. Once they realise that there are ways to return to a ‘normal’ life, it makes it possible to take that first step.

The one day workshop on food preserving conducted by NCEASL for

disabled soldiers and the wives of young army personnel was carried out with the intention of helping the amputees and their family members explore the possibilities of a new livelihood. It was conducted by NCEASL’s Missions Commission on the 3rd of March at the Panagoda Army Camp. Recipes and demonstrations on how to make jams, cordials and chutneys were given to this group of soldiers disabled by the war who were psychologically fallen and felt that they were of no use to the society anymore.

Another group of participants were mainly housewives who were identified from low income communities.

Coming from a village enviroment, these participants are able to source the produce and resources for their jam making and preserving from the surrounding land.

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NCEASL recognised the ability to uplift the present living standards of these participants. This programme also aimed at empowering these young housewives who could begin jam, cordial and chutney making as a means of self employment.

The resource persons and all other necessities required for the workshop were provided by NCEASL. Participants were also taught simple marketing strategies. It was suggested that the jams, cordials and chutneys they produce be sold in small quantities so that they will find a market within their own village communities. “This was a very useful programme for us; I never knew how to make jams and chutneys before” beamed Kumari. “I’m going to make chutney for my family and neighbours as soon as I get home” she said. * Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY CHANDRIKA FONSEKA

A Time of Learning, Sharing and Respite for Christian Workers Most of the believers in Kumari’s village cannot attend the service on Sunday because they live far from their church.

At 18 years, she has taken it upon herself to visit their homes carrying the Word of God to them. Unfortunately it is no easy task for her. Her brothers are discouraging her from her ministry and do not want to support her any longer. “My friends too laugh at me and ask me why I walk in the hot sun and dust” she said when we met her at the School of Christian Workers. According to Kumari the session helped her find the encouragement that she was looking for. “I realised that God’s calling is greater than everything else” said Kumari. “He promised me that He will reward me and guide me on the path He has shown me.”

Pastors, their families and church workers like Kumari gathered for the School for Christian Workers on the morning of 12th December which is annually organised by NCEASL’s Missions Commission.

They had travelled far to get to Sanctuary House in Pamunugama - most as far as from Nuwara-eliya or Ampara. They sat down with their bags and their little children to refresh themselves from their long journeys with a cup of tea and a

laugh with their companions, for the camp’s two and a half days.

The programme emphasised on the importance of a successful evangelical mission in 2012 and a closer and personal relationship with God. Many participants are able to renew their calling at the sessions. Pastor Jeewan is among the familiar faces at the School of Christian Workers who look forward to attend the annual sessions. “I take the message I receive here to the believers in my village” said Pastor Jeewan explaining how the message of God’s love has helped many families overcome the problems they face.

“I also found the inspiration I needed for my New Year’s resolution” he beamed. “My wife and I will improve the Sunday school for the children in our village and help the children come closer to God.” The sessions at the School of Christian Workers provide encouragement for its participants, where the pastors and church workers are empowered to be faithful to their calling in the midst of discouragement and other difficulties. To its participants the environment and the company they were surrounded by were a refreshing change to the economic difficulties and the trying situations they face in their homes. The testimonies and personal experiences the pastors shared on their economic and spiritual discouragements were an insight into what they encounter on a daily basis. “We always find encouragement not only through the sessions but also in the presence of other pastors who experience difficulties just like we do” said

Pastor Jeewan who spent plenty of time with younger pastors sharing views and advice on the various situations they had in common.

The programme was also a wonderful experience for the children who came with their parents. They engaged enthusiastically in the handwork and games sessions, sang Christmas carols in all three languages and found it hard to part with their friends even when their parents were around. One little girl was a special living testimony to the power of prayer and God’s healing touch. She was unable to walk from birth and had to undergo surgical operations that would make her legs straight. She proudly told everyone who would listen to her story “I can now walk! One day at night when everybody was praying for me I stood up and was able to walk since then” she said as she let go her proud mother’s hand to show us that she could walk alone. “Now I always pray for my family and friends when they are sick because I know God hears my prayers and heals them too.”

The School of Christian Workers has always been a great encouragement to pastors and Christian workers especially when the situations are most trying. The Missions Commission seeks to be with the pastors and other workers in the Lord’s Vineyard, providing not only economical support when it is most needed but also spiritual guidance and emotional strength through programmes like this seminar for Christian Workers. * Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY MELANIE PEREIRA

Participants at the seminar for Christian workers at Sanctuary House Pamunugama

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Engaging in a Mission of Reconciliation Rajeeva and his friends were on a trip they would never forget; it was the first time they had travelled this far into the North. Together with their Pastor these 15 youths from Galle were shaking hands with their companions for the next two and half days - a group of 15 youths from Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Vavuniya.

Only smiles could communicate their eagerness to be friends with one another as they settled down for their stay. The two youth groups had arrived in Kilinochchi for the Youth Expedition held in January which was organised by the Peace and Reconciliation desk of Alliance Development Trust. With interactive sessions on the past, present and future responsibilities in reconciliation, basic Human Rights and on drug abuse prevention through Christian values, the Youth Expedition gave the youth a chance to query all doubts and prejudices about the two ethnicities. With its theme on ‘Moving from Tolerance to Acceptance to Engagement’, this youth camp strived to make ambassadors of the participants so that not only would they build love towards their brethren but also spread the message of unity in the true Christian spirit.

Rajeeva joined up with Jeyabalan as the participants teamed up for yet another outdoor activity. They had already visited a children’s orphanage and a home for the elderly and spent time with the children orphaned during the ethnic conflict and the elders who were psychologically affected because of their terrible losses and horrendous experiences of the 30 year battle. That morning they were at a work site where they would help build a house for a youth just like themselves who not only lost his home but was also paralysed in a shell attack. Rajeeva helped Jeyabalan to mix the cement indicating that it needed more water with gestures and facial expressions. Rajeeva was careful to take upon himself the more tedious work and gave the easier tasks to Jeyaba-

lan who was not only younger to him but also smaller built owing perhaps to the fact that he and his family are among those still in camps for persons displaced by the war. Their friendship was sealed. “My only regret is that I can’t speak Tamil” said Rajeeva. “Next time I come to the North I will learn Tamil so that I can understand ‘Jeya’ and my other Tamil friends. It was definitely God who brought us here so that we could not only realise that the Tamil community is not our enemy but also help this family in our own little way to build their home” he said explaining to us how tears filled the eyes of the youth whose house they helped rebuild as they shook Rajeeva’s hands in thanks.

The youth groups brought together for this expedition truly enjoyed each others’ company. In the evenings they would gather for a cricket match, a few games and activities specially introduced to bring about interaction between the two groups and they were even able to join the audience of a cultural show with both Sinhalese and Tamil performers. All in all it was truly an experience Rajeeva would never forget and a friendship Jeyabalan would never let go. Friendships between the two groups were sealed as they bade goodbye to their friends. “Come to Galle to see us” Rajeeva said to Jeyabalan with the help of a translator as he got into his bus. “You are always welcome at my home!” The Tamil youths were no longer aliens to the Sinhalese and Jeyabalan and his friends never expected the group from the South to accept them as their own brothers. Though the groups parted ways that evening they were returning to their homes with a new mission -to pass on the message of reconciliation they had received at this Youth Expedition and be ambassadors of unity and love for a better and peaceful tomorrow.

* Names have been changed.

WRITTEN BY MELANIE PEREIRA

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